Road & Track has
compiled all it knows about the next versions of the Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi EVO X into a tidy little article that currently resides on their website. It includes a lot of information from inside sources, as well as pics that we think represent the magazine's best guess as to what these two terrors will look like.
The new Subaru Impreza WRX STi will likely bow later this year and go on sale in early 2008. The design ethos for the STi is one of muscularity, and we have to say that
R&T's rendering look sick, in a good way. Whatever qualms we had about the Impreza redesign melt away in the face of the STi's sheer kick-assness. Just like with the new WRX, mechanical changes won't be extreme, but will include a horsepower bump for the 2.5L flat-four up to 320 or so, with torque topping out at 320 ft-lbs. at 4,000 RPM. The only transmission will be a six-speed manual. The slightly lighter new STi should be able to hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds flat. There are a few electronic aids, DCCD (driver's control center differential), but it appears the new STi will be more of a purist's machine than ever.
The new Mitsubishi EVO X, however, will be outfitted with all the latest acronyms, including AYC (active yaw control), S-AWC (super-all-wheel control), ACD (active center differential) and ASC (anti-skid control). All of those electrons will do their best to tame the 300 horsepower produced by the EVO's new 2.0L turbo four codenamed 4B11. Torque is expected to reach 300 ft-lbs. at a very useable 3,000 rpm, as well. Unlike in the STi, you should be able to order your next EVO X with either a five-speed manual or new 6-speed twin-clutch automatic called SST.
R&T reports that it will be similar to Volkswagen's DSG, but likely better considering it's been in development more recently. We all know what the EVO X will look like, of course, having seen the Prototype X that Mitsubishi debuted at the Detroit Auto Show this year, but
R&T also rounds out some production details in the car's appearance.
Click the Read the link to skip to
Road & Track for the complete article with all the details they've managed to gather on these highly anticipated 2008 models.
[Source: Road and Track, illustration used with permission]
